Spatially controllable eductor for managing solid additives and processes using same

ABSTRACT

A spatially controllable, for example CD controllable, eductor, and more particularly an eductor that is capable of providing a variable motive fluid and processes using such an eductor are provided.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an eductor, and more particularly to aspatially controllable eductor, for example a cross-machine direction(CD) controllable eductor, that is capable of managing and/or managessolid additives passing through the eductor, and even more particularlyto a spatially controllable eductor, for example a CD controllableeductor that is capable of being manipulated during operation of theeductor to control pressure, velocity, mass, and/or flow CD profiles ofa mixed fluid containing solid additives within the eductor's fluidmixing chamber, and processes using such an eductor.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Eductors are pieces of equipment that are used to continuously mixand/or combine two or more fluids within a fluid mixing chamber definedby an eductor's housing. After mixing within the fluid mixing chamber,the eductor then discharges the mixed fluid through one or more fluidoutlets, which are in fluid communication with the fluid mixing chamber.Oftentimes the eductors manage two or more different fluids, such asdifferent air streams, for example an entrained air stream and a motiveair stream, without solid additives contained in either air stream.Examples of such eductors include eductors that are utilized with jetengines to cool the exhaust. However, some eductors do manage at leastone fluid that contains solid additives, for example pulp fibers, thatmixes with another fluid, such as air only.

One problem of known eductors is that the mixed fluid within the fluidmixing chamber of the eductors and the mixed fluid exiting the eductors'fluid outlet is spatially non-controllable, especially when theentrained fluid comprises a plurality of solid additives, such asfibers, for example pulp fibers. In other words, the distribution ofsolid additives, especially in the cross-machine direction, present inthe entrained fluid cannot be controlled in known eductors, whichresults in a random distribution of the solid additives within the fluidmixing chamber and in the mixed fluid exiting the eductor's fluidoutlet.

It is believed that this non-controllability of the mixed fluid withinthe eductors' fluid mixing chamber and thus the mixed fluid exiting theeductors' fluid outlet is caused by the lack of ability of the eductorsto be CD controllable, for example to provide a variable motive fluidinto their respective fluid mixing chambers to create lessnon-uniformity and/or more uniformity and/or uniformity in the mixedfluid's CD profile, especially if the mixed fluid comprises a pluralityof solid additives, such as fibers, for example pulp fibers.

As shown in Prior Art FIGS. 1A-1C, an example of a known non-spatiallycontrollable, for example non-CD controllable, eductor 10 having ahousing 12 that lacks the ability to create and provide a variablemotive fluid to its fluid mixing chamber 14. As shown in FIGS. 1A-1C,the eductor 10 comprises a housing 12 that defines a fluid mixingchamber 14, an entrained fluid inlet 16, an invariable motive fluidinlet 18 (for example a non segmented, not two or more discrete,separated zones as clearly shown in FIG. 1C), such that the motive fluidentering the fluid mixing chamber 14 from the invariable motive fluidinlet 18 would not create a variable motive fluid (for example would nothave two or more zones that differ in properties, such as pressure,velocity, mass, and/or flow), and a fluid outlet 20, for example a mixedfluid outlet. The entrained fluid inlet 16, invariable motive fluidinlet 18, fluid outlet 20, and the fluid mixing chamber 14 are in fluidcommunication with each other during operation of the eductor 10, butthe eductor offers no way to spatially control the mixed fluid, forexample control the CD profile of the mixed fluid, especially if themixed fluid contains a plurality of solid additives.

Further, most of such known non-spatially controllable eductors have acircular cross-section fluid mixing chamber, like the one shown in FIGS.1A-1C, and are incapable of creating and/or providing a variable motivefluid during operation of the eductors and thus lack the ability tomanipulate the mixed fluids within the eductors with respect to themixed fluids' CD profiles, such as pressure, velocity, mass and/or flowCD profiles.

Prior Art FIGS. 2A-2C illustrate an example of another known eductor 10comprising a housing 12 that exhibits a non-circular cross-section (apolygonal, such as rectangular, or elliptical cross-section) fluidmixing chamber 14. This eductor 10 manipulates an induced gas, forexample air stream (entrained air stream) represented by arrows Aentering the eductor 10 through its entrained fluid inlet 16 by placingsteering vanes 22 within the fluid mixing chamber 14 to selectivelyguide the induced air stream A to direct pulp fibers 24 within itsmotive fluid, its invariable motive fluid stream represented by arrows Bentering the eductor 10 through its invariable motive fluid inlet 18(for example a non-segmented, not discrete, separated zones as clearlyshown in FIG. 2C, which has a portion of the housing 12 broken away)such that the motive fluid entering the fluid mixing chamber 14 from theinvariable motive fluid inlet 18 would not create a variable motivefluid (for example would not have two or more zones that differ inproperties, such as pressure, velocity, mass, and/or flow), towardselected areas of a collection device, such as a belt (not shown). Ittoo, like its circular cross-section cousins, is incapable of creatingand providing a variable motive fluid during operation of the eductor10, thereby relying on changes in the baffle positions on the entrainedfluid side of the eductor to effect the velocity profile in the CDdirection. The presence of these baffles prevents the introduction ofparticles into this stream and limits the applications to which thistechnology can be applied.

Another known eductor is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,400,138 that shows aneductor with multiple, adjustable motive air inlets. The cross sectionof this eductor, however, is circular, with an CD/MD ratio of 1.0. Sincethese adjustable motive air nozzles are evenly spaced around the eductordischarge, there is no ability of this device to adjust flow in thecross direction, and thus is a non-spatially controllable, non-CDcontrollable eductor.

Still another known eductor is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 7,014,441 thatillustrates a planar eductor with a high aspect ratio (CD/MD) withadjustable motive air nozzles. As can be seen from its figures, thiseductor is not, however, controllable and/or adjustable in the CD, butonly in the machine direction.

Additional descriptions of known eductors and their properties andoperation are described in the following references: Blevins, Robert D,“Applied Fluid Dynamics Handbook”, section 9.5, ISBN 1-57524-182-x;Young, Munson, and Okiishi, “A Brief Introduction to Fluid Mechanics”ISBN 0-471-13771-5; Silvester, R. and N. H. G. Mueller, “Design Data forthe Liquid-Liquid Jet Pump”, J. Hydraulics Res. 6, 129-168 (1968); andMueller, N. H. G., “Water Jet Pump,” ASCE J. Hydraulics Div. 90, 83-113(1964).

In light of the foregoing, there is a need for a spatially controllable,for example CD controllable eductor, especially an eductor that managesthe flow of solid additives, for example pulp fibers, that is capable ofcreating and/or providing a variable motive fluid, and more particularlycontrolling and/or adjusting the CD profile of the mixed fluid withinthe eductor in order to influence the mixed fluid of the eductor andresult in a never-before achievable result in the exiting mixed fluidand/or ultimately a product made from the exiting mixed fluid. Further,there is a need for an eductor that is a CD controllable eductor that iscapable of being manipulated during operation of the eductor to controland/or adjust the pressure, velocity, mass and/or flow CD profiles ofthe mixed fluid within the eductor, for example within the eductor'sfluid mixing chamber, and processes using such an eductor.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention fulfills the needs described above by providing aCD controllable eductor, especially a CD controllable eductor that iscapable of managing solid additives passing through the eductor and/orthat is capable of creating and/or providing a variable motive fluid,and even more particularly to an eductor that exhibits a non-circularcross-section fluid mixing chamber wherein the motive fluid entering thefluid mixing chamber is a variable motive fluid, and even moreparticularly to a cross-machine direction (CD) controllable eductor, forexample that is capable of being manipulated during operation of theeductor to control and/or adjust pressure, velocity, mass and/or flow CDprofiles of the mixed fluid within the eductor's fluid mixing chamber,and processes using such an eductor.

One solution to the problem described above is a spatially controllableeductor, for example a CD controllable eductor, and/or a spatiallycontrollable, for example CD controllable, eductor, in other words, aneductor that is capable of providing a variable motive fluid and/or aneductor that exhibits a non-circular cross-section fluid mixing chamberwherein the motive fluid entering the fluid mixing chamber is a variablemotive fluid, and/or a CD controllable eductor, for example an eductorthat is capable of being manipulated during operation of the eductor tocontrol and/or adjust pressure, mass and/or flow and/or velocity CDprofiles of the mixed fluid within the eductor's fluid mixing chamber.

In one example of the present invention, a spatially controllable, forexample CD controllable spatially controllable, for example CDcontrollable, eductor, is provided.

In another example of the present invention, a spatially controllable,for example CD controllable, eductor that is capable of creating and/orproviding a variable motive fluid, is provided.

In another example of the present invention, a spatially controllable,for example CD controllable, eductor comprising one or more variablemotive fluid inlets, is provided.

In another example of the present invention, a spatially controllable,for example CD controllable, eductor comprising a housing having anentrained fluid inlet, a fluid outlet, and a variable motive fluidinlet, all of which are in fluid communication with one another, isprovided.

In another example of the present invention, a spatially controllable,for example CD controllable, eductor comprising a housing having anentrained fluid inlet, a fluid outlet, and two or more motive fluidinlets all of which are in fluid communication with one another, whereinat least one and/or at least two of the two or more motive fluid inletsis a variable motive fluid inlet, for example is independentlycontrollable to manage the flow of a motive fluid through the motivefluid inlets during operation of the eductor, is provided.

In still another example of the present invention, a spatiallycontrollable, for example CD controllable, eductor that exhibits anon-circular cross-section fluid mixing chamber wherein the motive fluidentering the fluid mixing chamber is a variable motive fluid, isprovided.

In another example of the present invention, a spatially controllable,for example CD controllable, eductor comprising a housing having anentrained fluid inlet, a fluid outlet, a non-circular cross-sectionfluid mixing chamber, and one or more, for example two or more, motivefluid inlets all of which are in fluid communication with one anothersuch that during operation of the eductor, one or more of the followingprofiles: pressure, velocity, mass, and/or flow of an entrained fluidentering the housing is adjusted prior to exiting the fluid outlet ofthe housing, is provided.

In yet another example of the present invention, a CD controllableeductor, for example that is capable of being manipulated duringoperation of the eductor to control and/or adjust the pressure,velocity, mass, and/or flow CD profiles of the fluid within the eductor,for example within the eductor's fluid mixing chamber, is provided.

In another example of the present invention, a spatially controllable,for example CD controllable, eductor comprising a housing having anentrained fluid inlet, a fluid outlet, a fluid mixing chamber, and oneor more, for example two or more, motive fluid inlets all of which arein fluid communication with one another such that during operation ofthe eductor, one or more of the following profiles: pressure, velocity,mass, and/or flow of an entrained fluid entering the housing iscontrolled and/or adjusted prior to exiting the fluid outlet of thehousing, is provided.

In another example of the present invention, a spatially controllable,for example CD controllable, eductor comprising a housing having anentrained fluid inlet, a fluid outlet, and two or more motive fluidinlets all of which are in fluid communication with one another, whereinat least two of the two or more motive fluid inlets are independentlycontrollable to manage the flow of a motive fluid through the motivefluid inlets during operation of the eductor, is provided.

In still another example of the present invention, a solid additivesystem comprising a solid additive source and a spatially controllable,for example CD controllable, eductor comprising a housing having anentrained fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, wherein the solid additivesource is in fluid communication with the entrained fluid inlet andfluid outlet such that during operation of the eductor an entrainedfluid entering the eductor through the entrained fluid inlet comprises aplurality of solid additives exhibiting a first CD profile, for examplepressure, velocity, mass, and/or flow CD profile, and the fluid exitingthe fluid outlet comprises the plurality of solid additives exhibiting asecond CD profile, for example pressure, velocity, mass, and/or flow CDprofile that is different from the first CD profile, is provided.

In still another example of the present invention, a solid additivesystem comprising a solid additive source and a spatially controllable,for example CD controllable, eductor comprising a housing having anentrained fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, wherein the solid additivesource is in fluid communication with the entrained fluid inlet andfluid outlet such that a fluid exiting the fluid outlet is wider (in theMD and/or CD) than the fluid entering the entrained fluid inlet from thesolid additive source during operation of the eductor, is provided.

In even another example of the present invention, a spatiallycontrollable, for example CD controllable, eductor comprising a housinghaving an entrained fluid inlet and a fluid outlet both of which are influid communication with one another such that a fluid exiting the fluidoutlet is wider (in the MD and/or CD) than the fluid entering theentrained fluid inlet during operation of the eductor, is provided.

In even yet another example of the present invention, a process formanaging an entrained fluid, the process comprising the steps of:

-   -   a. providing a spatially controllable, for example CD        controllable, eductor according to the present invention; and    -   b. injecting an entrained fluid, for example an entrained fluid        comprising a plurality of solid additives, into the eductor, is        provided.

In still yet another example of the present invention, a process formaking a managing solid additives, the process comprising the steps of:

-   -   a. providing a fluid comprising solid additives;    -   b. injecting the fluid comprising solid additives as an        entrained fluid into a spatially controllable, for example CD        controllable, eductor according to the present invention;    -   c. injecting a motive fluid, for example a variable motive        fluid, into the eductor such that the entrained fluid comprising        solid additives and the motive fluid mix in the eductor's mixing        chamber to form a mixed fluid comprising solid additives;    -   d. passing the mixed fluid comprising solid additives from the        eductor to a forming box that is in fluid communication with the        eductor; and    -   e. depositing the solid additives from the mixed fluid        comprising solid additives onto a collection device from the        forming box, is provided.

In even still yet another example of the present invention, a processfor managing solid additives, the process comprising the steps of:

-   -   a. providing a fluid comprising solid additives;    -   b. injecting the fluid comprising solid additives as an        entrained fluid into a spatially controllable, for example CD        controllable, eductor according to the present invention;    -   c. injecting a motive fluid, for example a variable motive        fluid, into the eductor such that the entrained fluid comprising        solid additives and the motive fluid mix in the eductor's mixing        chamber to form a mixed fluid comprising solid additives;    -   d. passing the mixed fluid comprising solid additives from the        eductor to a forming box that is in fluid communication with the        eductor;    -   e. introducing filaments into the forming box such that the        filaments and the solid additives mix in the forming box to form        a mixed material; and    -   f. depositing the mixed material onto a collection device from        the forming box, is provided.

The present invention provides novel eductors as described above andprocesses using such eductors.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of an example of a prior art non-spatiallycontrollable eductor;

FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view of the prior art eductor of FIG. 1Ataken along line 1B-1B;

FIG. 1C is a left side view of the prior art eductor of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of another example of a prior art eductor;

FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view of the prior art eductor of FIG. 2Ataken along line 2B-2B;

FIG. 2C is a perspective view of the prior art eductor of FIG. 2A with aportion of the housing broken away to show more clearly the invariablemotive fluid inlet;

FIG. 3A is a schematic representation of an example of an invariablemotive fluid's pressure CD profile;

FIG. 3B is a schematic representation of an example of an invariablemotive fluid's velocity CD profile;

FIG. 3C is a schematic representation of an example of an invariablemotive fluid's mass CD profile;

FIG. 3D is a schematic representation of an example of an invariablemotive fluid inlet's CD profile;

FIG. 4A is a schematic representation of an example of a variable motivefluid's pressure CD profile according to the present invention;

FIG. 4B is a schematic representation of an example of a variable motivefluid's velocity CD profile according to the present invention;

FIG. 4C is a schematic representation of an example of a variable motivefluid's mass CD profile according to the present invention;

FIG. 4D is a schematic representation of an example of a invariablemotive fluid inlet's CD profile;

FIG. 5A is a schematic representation of an example of an invariablemotive fluid's pressure CD profile;

FIG. 5B is a schematic representation of an example of an invariablemotive fluid's velocity CD profile;

FIG. 5C is a schematic representation of an example of a variable motivefluid's mass CD profile according to the present invention;

FIG. 5D is a schematic representation of an example of a variable motivefluid inlet's CD profile according to the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a partially opened, schematic representation of a portion ofan example of a spatially controllable, for example CD controllable,eductor according to the present invention;

FIG. 7A is a schematic representation of an example of a variable motivefluid inlet according to the present invention;

FIG. 7B is a schematic representation of another example of a variablemotive fluid inlet according to the present invention;

FIG. 7C is a schematic representation of another example of a variablemotive fluid inlet according to the present invention;

FIG. 7D is a schematic representation of another example of a variablemotive fluid inlet according to the present invention;

FIG. 7E is a schematic representation of another example of a variablemotive fluid inlet according to the present invention;

FIG. 8A is a perspective view of an example of a spatially controllable,for example CD controllable, eductor according to the present invention;

FIG. 8B is a cross-sectional view of the spatially controllable, forexample CD controllable, eductor of FIG. 8A taken along line 8B-8B;

FIG. 8C is a perspective view of another example of the spatiallycontrollable, for example CD controllable, eductor according to thepresent invention illustrating a single-sided variable motive fluidinlet;

FIG. 9 is a schematic representation of a fibrous structure makingprocess utilizing a spatially controllable, for example CD controllable,eductor according to the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a schematic representation of an example of a forming box foruse in a fibrous structure making process of the present invention;

FIG. 11A is a schematic representation of an example of a spatiallycontrollable eductor, for example a CD controllable eductor;

FIG. 11B is an enlarged portion of FIG. 11A;

FIG. 12A is a schematic representation of another example of a fibrousstructure making process according to the present invention;

FIG. 12B is a schematic representation of another example of a fibrousstructure making process according to the present invention;

FIG. 12C is a schematic representation of another example of a fibrousstructure making process according to the present invention;

FIG. 12D is a schematic representation of another example of a fibrousstructure making process according to the present invention; and

FIG. 12E is a schematic representation of another example of a fibrousstructure making process according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Definitions

“Eductor” as used herein means a device or equipment that combines twoor more fluids; namely: 1) one or more entrained fluids, for examplecomprising a plurality of solid additives; and 2) one or more motivefluids (the driving force) that creates suction within the eductor topull the one or more entrained fluids into itself to form a mixed fluidthat then exits the eductor through the eductor's one or more fluidoutlets.

“Spatially Controllable Eductor” as used herein means an eductor that iscapable of controlling and/or controls during operation profiles of oneor more fluids (entrained fluid, motive fluid, and/or mixed fluid)passing through the eductor. In one example, a spatially controllableeductor controls the profile of an entrained fluid and/or a mixed fluidduring operation of the eductor. In still another example, a spatiallycontrollable eductor controls the profile of an entrained fluidcomprising solid additives, for example pulp fibers, and/or a mixedfluid comprising solid additives, for example pulp fibers, duringoperation of the eductor.

“CD Controllable Eductor” as used herein means a spatially controllableeductor that is capable of controlling and/or controls during operationCD profiles of one or more fluids (entrained fluid, motive fluid, and/ormixed fluid) passing through the eductor. In one example, a CDcontrollable eductor controls the CD profile of an entrained fluidand/or a mixed fluid during operation of the eductor. In still anotherexample, a CD controllable eductor controls the CD profile of anentrained fluid comprising solid additives, for example pulp fibers,and/or a mixed fluid comprising solid additives, for example pulpfibers, during operation of the eductor.

“Fluid Mixing Chamber” is the point immediately after the entrance ofthe motive fluid into the eductor, where the motive and entrained fluidsintermingle. This section of the eductor serves to even the velocityprofile of the slower entrained fluid and the faster motive fluid. Themixing chamber is often, but not always, the smallest cross sectionalarea of the eductor through which both the entrained and motive airpasses. The volume of the mixing chamber begins where the motive andentrained fluids combine and extends to the point at which the crosssectional area of the eductor begins to increase in the event that themixing chamber has the minimum cross sectional area in the eductorthrough which both the entrained and motive fluids travel. In the eventthat the mixing chamber is the same or larger diameter than other areasof the eductor, the chamber extends to the point where the velocityprofile in the plane perpendicular to the flow becomes invariant as thatplane traverses along the direction of flow.

“MD and CD” as used herein can be described by first striking a planenormal to the direction of flow through the beginning of the mixingchamber of the eductor. The CD of the eductor refers to the larger axisof this plane, while the MD of the eductor refers to the smaller axis ofthis plane.

In one example, the fluid mixing chamber is the interior volume of theeductor defined the eductor's housing wherein one or more entrainedfluids and one or more motive fluids contact each other and mix tocreate a mixed fluid (the result of an entrained fluid and motive fluidmixing together). In one example, the fluid mixing chamber comprises 1)an entrainment section wherein at least one entrained fluid and onemotive fluid contact one another; and 2) a mixing section, which is alength of the fluid mixing chamber positioned between the entrainmentsection and the eductor's fluid outlet. In the mixing section, theentrained fluid including any solid additives, for example pulp fibers,and the motive fluid mix and any solid additives may be redistributed inthe CD profile if the motive fluid is a variable motive fluid. In oneexample, the entrainment section exhibits a greater cross-sectional areathan the mixing section. In another example, the fluid mixing chamberexhibits a tapering cross-sectional area from the entrained fluid inletto the fluid outlet. In still another example, the eductor's housingcomprises a diffuser section that flares outward from the minimalcross-sectional area of the fluid mixing chamber and/or mixing sectionof the fluid mixing chamber ending at the fluid outlet of the eductor.So in one example, the fluid outlet of the eductor exhibits a greatercross-sectional area than the mixing chamber and/or the mixing sectionof the mixing chamber. In another example, the fluid outlet exhibits across-sectional area that is the same as or greater than the minimalcross-sectional area of the mixing chamber and/or the mixing section ofthe mixing chamber.

In one example, one or more walls of the fluid mixing chamber maycomprise one or more side fluid inlets, which may angled such that theydirect their corresponding side fluid, such as compressed air,substantially parallel to the mixed fluid movement through the eductorto the fluid outlet of the eductor. The side fluid entering the mixingchamber through the one or more side fluid inlets may alleviate flowanomalies along the mixing chamber's sidewalls.

“Entrained Fluid” as used herein means a fluid that is pulled into aneductor's fluid mixing chamber through an eductor's entrained fluidinlet as a result of suction created within the eductor's fluid mixingchamber by a motive fluid entering the eductor's fluid mixing chamber.In one example, the entrained fluid comprises one or more solidadditives, for example a plurality of fibers, such as pulp fibers. Inone example, entrained air vacuum levels may be as high as 12″ H₂O. Inone example, the velocities may be up to 60 m/s at their fastest point.In another example, the velocities may be greater than 60 m/s at theirfastest point.

“Entrained Fluid Inlet” as used herein means the opening within aneductor through which an entrained fluid enters a fluid mixing chamberof the eductor.

“Motive Fluid” as used herein means a fluid entering an eductor's fluidmixing chamber through one or more motive fluid inlets. The motive fluidexhibits a higher total pressure and/or velocity than an entrained fluidentering the same eductor.

“Invariable Motive Fluid” as used herein means a motive fluid that hasconstant, non-changing pressure, velocity, mass, and/or flow across themotive fluid's CD profile. In one example, the invariable motive fluiddoes not exhibit two or more different zones/regions within the motivefluid, especially across the motive fluid's CD profile. FIGS. 3A-3Dschematically show an example of an invariable motive fluid that hasconstant, non-changing (invariable) pressure (FIG. 3A), constant,non-changing (invariable) velocity (FIG. 3B), constant, non-changing(invariable) mass (FIG. 3C), and constant non-changing (invariable)motive fluid inlet (FIG. 3D) across its CD profile. The constant,non-changing invariable motive fluid is incapable and/or fails totranslate into and/or impart to a mixed fluid within a mixing chamberand/or eductor controllability and/or adjustability of the mixed fluid,for example across the mixed fluid's CD profile.

“Variable Motive Fluid” as used herein means a motive fluid that hasvarying (“variable”) motive fluid pressure, velocity, mass, and/or flowacross the motive fluid's CD profile. FIGS. 4A-4D schematically show anexample of a variable motive fluid that has varying (variable) pressure(FIG. 4A), varying (variable) velocity (FIG. 4B), and varying (variable)mass (FIG. 4C) by varying the pressure and thus the velocity through aconstant, non-changing (invariable) motive fluid inlet (FIG. 4D), acrossits CD profile. FIGS. 5A-5D schematically show an example of a variablemotive fluid that has a constant, non-changing (invariable) pressure(FIG. 5A), a constant, non-changing (invariable) velocity (FIG. 5B), andvarying (variable) mass (FIG. 5C) by using constant, non-changingpressure and thus constant, non-changing velocity through a varying(variable) motive fluid inlet (FIG. 5D), across its CD profile. In oneexample, the variable motive fluid is void (less than 5% and/or lessthan 3% and/or less than 1% and/or less than 0.5% and/or less than 0.1%and/or 0% by weight) of solid additives, for example fibers, such aspulp fibers. In one example, the eductors of the present invention maybe run up to about 200IWG in the motive fluid streams, and velocities ofup to about 0.7 mach and with properly designed de Laval nozzles theeductors of the present invention may be capable of supersonic flow ifdesired. In one example of a variable motive fluid as shown in FIGS. 4Aand 4B, the variable motive fluid comprises at least one zone/region(Zone 1) that differs in one or more properties, for example pressure,velocity, mass, and/or flow, from at least one other zone/region (Zone2) within the motive fluid, especially across the motive fluid's CDprofile. In another example of a variable motive fluid as shown in FIG.5C, the variable motive fluid comprises at least one zone/region (Zone1) that differs in one or more properties, for example mass and/or flow,by using a variable motive fluid inlet (FIG. 5D) (comprising at leastone zone/region (Zone 3) that differs in area from at least one otherzone/region (Zone 4) across the motive fluid inlet's CD), from at leastone other zone/region (Zone 2) within the motive fluid, especiallyacross the motive fluid's CD profile. The variable motive fluidtranslates into and/or imparts to the mixed fluid within the mixingchamber and/or eductor of the present invention controllability and/oradjustability of the mixed fluid, for example across the mixed fluid'sCD profile.

“Motive Fluid Inlet” as used herein means an opening within an eductorthrough which a motive fluid enters a fluid mixing chamber of theeductor.

“Invariable Motive Fluid Inlet” as used herein means a motive fluidinlet within an eductor from which an invariable motive fluid enters theeductor's fluid mixing chamber. In one example, an invariable motivefluid inlet is not capable of creating a variable motive fluid. In oneexample, an invariable motive fluid inlet comprises a continuous and/ornon-segmented and/or non-variable dimension slot or opening throughwhich a motive fluid enters an eductor's fluid mixing chamber. FIG. 4Dschematically shows an example of a constant, non-changing (invariable)motive fluid inlet, for example the invariable motive fluid inletexhibits a constant non-changing area, across its CD profile.

“Variable Motive Fluid Inlet” as used herein means a motive fluid inletwithin an eductor wherein the motive fluid inlet creates a variablemotive fluid as a motive fluid enters the eductor's fluid mixing chamberthrough the variable motive fluid inlet. In one example, the variablemotive fluid inlet is a segmented (two or more and/or three or moreand/or four or more and/or five or more zones) motive fluid inletthrough which two or more and/or a corresponding number (the same numberas the total number of zones) of motive fluids from corresponding motivefluid delivery devices, such as air nozzles that are independentlycontrollable, such as via valves, for example with respect to theirpressures, enters the eductor's fluid mixing chamber such that themotive fluid contacting the entrained fluid within the fluid mixingchamber is a variable motive fluid. The motive fluid delivery devicesmay be sourced from a single motive fluid source, such as an air tank,or may be sourced from individual motive fluid sources, such as airtanks, that are associated with a respective motive fluid deliverydevice. FIG. 5D schematically shows an example of a varying (variable)motive fluid inlet, for example the variable motive fluid inlet exhibitsa varying (variable) area such that the variable motive fluid inletcomprises at least one zone/region (Zone 3) that differs in area from atleast one other zone/region (Zone 4) across its CD profile.

In another example, the variable motive fluid inlet is a segmentedmotive fluid inlet through which one motive fluid from a single motivefluid delivery device, for example compressed air nozzle, is dividedinto different zones before the motive fluid enters the eductor's fluidmixing chamber such that the motive fluid passing through one zone ofthe variable motive fluid inlet exhibits different properties, forexample a different pressure than the motive fluid passing through adifferent zone, for example across the motive fluid's CD profile, suchthat the motive fluid contacting the entrained fluid within the fluidmixing chamber is a variable motive fluid. The motive fluid deliverydevice may be sourced from a single motive fluid source, such as an airtank, or from multiple motive fluid sources, such as air tanks.

In yet another example, the variable motive fluid inlet is a continuous,non-segmented motive fluid inlet through which a motive fluidoriginating from a single motive fluid source, such as an air tank, andcreated by multiple motive fluid delivery devices, such as air nozzlesthat are independently controllable, for example with respect to theirpressures, enters the eductor's fluid mixing chamber such that themotive fluid contacting the entrained fluid within the fluid mixingchamber is a variable motive fluid.

In another example, the variable motive fluid inlet is a continuous,non-segmented motive fluid inlet through which a motive fluid sourcedfrom multiple motive fluid sources, such as air tanks, and created bymultiple motive fluid devices, such as air nozzles that areindependently controllable, for example with respect to their pressures,enters the eductor's fluid mixing chamber such that the motive fluidcontacting the entrained fluid within the fluid mixing chamber is avariable motive fluid.

In still another example, the variable motive fluid inlet is acontinuous, non-segmented, dynamic motive fluid inlet through which amotive fluid created by a single motive fluid source enters theeductor's fluid mixing chamber such that the motive fluid contacting theentrained fluid within the fluid mixing chamber is a variable motivefluid.

In even yet another example, the variable motive fluid inlet comprises atwo or more motive fluid delivery devices, such as air nozzles, forexample a plurality of motive fluid delivery devices in a series thatabut the housing of the fluid mixing chamber, that are independentlycontrollable, for example with respect to the respective motive fluids'pressures exiting each motive fluid delivery device, that provideindividual motive fluids to the fluid mixing chamber of an eductor suchthat the motive fluid contacting the entrained fluid within the fluidmixing chamber is a variable motive fluid.

In one example, the variable motive fluid may originate as two or morediscrete, separate motive fluids that exit a variable motive fluid inletsuch that a variable motive fluid is created and/or provided to thefluid mixing chamber of the eductor. The two more discrete, separatemotive fluids may each originate from different motive fluid sources,such as air tanks, or may originate from the same motive fluid source,but be delivered to the variable motive fluid inlet by different motivefluid delivery devices, such as motive fluid nozzles, for examplecompressed air nozzles. Other examples of motive fluid sources for airare multi-stage blowers, centrifugal fans, air compressors. Liquidmotive fluid sources such as pumps or pressurized headers can also beused.

An example of a variable motive fluid inlet and variable motive fluidare shown in FIG. 6. FIG. 6 shows an example of a spatiallycontrollable, for example CD controllable, eductor 30 in accordance withthe present invention during operation. As shown in FIG. 6, a variablemotive fluid 26 enters the eductor's fluid mixing chamber 14 defined byhousing 12 through a variable motive fluid inlet 28. In this example, asshown in FIGS. 6 and 7A, the variable motive fluid inlet 28 is segmentedinto two or more and/or three or more and/or four or more and/or five ormore zones, in one example 16 or more zones, represented as zones V, W,X, Y, and Z) through which two or more and/or a corresponding number(the same number as the total number of zones) of motive fluids 29 enterthe eductor's fluid mixing chamber 14. The motive fluids 29 are suppliedfrom corresponding motive fluid delivery devices 32, such as air nozzlesthat are independently controllable, for example with respect to theirpressures. The motive fluids 29 pass through the zones V, W, X, Y, andZ, and enter the eductor's fluid mixing chamber 14 such that a variablemotive fluid 26 is formed. The variable motive fluid 26 contacts anentrained fluid (not shown) within the fluid mixing chamber 14. As shownin FIG. 7A, the variable motive fluid 26 originates from discrete,separate motive fluids 29 sourced from discrete, separate motive fluiddelivery devices 32, such as air nozzles, which are in fluidcommunication with the variable motive fluid inlet 28.

The motive fluid delivery devices 32 of the present invention may besupplied by a single motive fluid source 33 (shown in FIG. 7D), such asa single air tank, or multiple motive fluid sources 33, such as aplurality of single motive fluid sources 33 each supplying a singlemotive fluid delivery device 32.

The motive fluid delivery devices 32 supply motive fluids 29 to thevariable motive fluid inlet 28. The variable motive fluid inlet 28 issegmented into five zones, in this case, zones V, W, X, Y, or Z, suchthat a single motive fluid delivery device 32 is in fluid communicationwith a single zone, for example V, W, X, Y, or Z of the variable motivefluid inlet 28. The discrete, separate motive fluid delivery devices 32are independently controllable such that the pressure associated with amotive fluid 29 supplied from one motive fluid delivery device 32 can bedifferent from the pressure of a motive fluid 29 supplied from adifferent motive fluid delivery device 32. In order for the variablemotive fluid 26 to be created, different zones/regions of motive fluid29, especially in the CD profile of the resulting variable motive fluid26, must be created before exiting the variable motive fluid inlet 28.

In one example, the dimensions, for example the height (represented as“h”) and/or complete cross-section dimensions of the zones V, W, X, Y,and/or Z may be the same or may be independently varied to influence themotive fluid 29 exiting the variable motive fluid inlet 28 and thusresulting in the creation of the variable motive fluid 26.

In another example, as shown in FIG. 7B, the variable motive fluid 26originates from a single motive fluid 29 sourced from a single motivefluid source 32, such as an air compressor nozzle, which is in fluidcommunication with the variable motive fluid inlet 28. The single motivefluid source 32 supplies a single motive fluid 29 to the variable motivefluid inlet 28. The variable motive fluid inlet 28 is segmented intofive zones, in this case, zones V, W, X, Y, or Z, such that the singlemotive fluid source 32 is in fluid communication with each of the zones,for example V, W, X, Y, or Z of the variable motive fluid inlet 28. Inorder for the variable motive fluid 26 to be created, differentzones/regions of motive fluid 29, especially in the CD profile of theresulting variable motive fluid 26, must be created before exiting thevariable motive fluid inlet 28. In this example, the dimensions, forexample the height (represented as “h”) and/or complete cross-sectiondimensions of the zones V, W, X, Y, and/or Z are independently varied toinfluence the motive fluid 29 exiting the variable motive fluid inlet 28such that the pressures of the motive fluid 29 exiting two or more ofthe zones V, W, X, Y, and/or Z are different, thus resulting in thecreation of the variable motive fluid 26.

In still another example as shown in FIG. 7C, the variable motive fluid26 originates from discrete, separate motive fluids 29 sourced fromdiscrete, separate motive fluid delivery devices 32, such as airnozzles, which are in fluid communication with the variable motive fluidinlet 28. The motive fluid delivery devices 32 supply motive fluids 29to the variable motive fluid inlet 28. Even though the variable motivefluid inlet 28 of FIG. 7C is not segmented into zones, like FIGS. 7A and7B, the variable motive fluid inlet 28 shown in FIG. 7C is selectivelydeformable (for example such that the variable motive fluid inletcomprises two or more different zones/regions that differ in area fromone another) such that the at least two of the motive fluids 29 exhibitdifferent pressures as they enter the fluid mixing chamber 14 of FIG. 6,for example. This selectively deformable characteristic of the variablemotive fluid inlet 28 may be temporary or permanent. In this example,the dimensions, for example the height (represented as “h”) and/orcomplete cross-section dimension of the variable motive fluid inlet 28may be varied across its CD to influence the motive fluids 29 exitingthe variable motive fluid inlet 28 such that the pressures across themotive fluids' 29 CD profile are non-uniform and/or varied such that thevariable motive fluid 26 is created. Also, the discrete, separate motivefluid delivery devices 32 of FIG. 7C may be independently controllablesuch that the pressure associated with a motive fluid 29 supplied fromone motive fluid source 32 can be different from the pressure of amotive fluid 29 supplied from a different motive fluid source 32. Inorder for the variable motive fluid 26 to be created, differentzones/regions of motive fluid 29, especially in the CD profile of theresulting variable motive fluid 26, must be created before exiting thevariable motive fluid inlet 28.

In even another example as shown in FIG. 7D, the variable motive fluid26 originates from a single motive fluid 29 sourced from a single motivefluid source 32, such as an air compressor nozzle, which is in fluidcommunication with the variable motive fluid inlet 28. The single motivefluid source 32 supplies a single motive fluid 29 to the variable motivefluid inlet 28. Even though the variable motive fluid inlet 28 of FIG.7D is not segmented into zones, like FIGS. 7A and 7B, the variablemotive fluid inlet 28 shown in FIG. 7D is selectively deformable (forexample such that the variable motive fluid inlet comprises two or moredifferent zones/regions that differ in area from one another) such thatthe motive fluid 29 exhibits different pressures across its CD profileas it enters the fluid mixing chamber 14, of FIG. 6, for example. Thisselectively deformable characteristic of the variable motive fluid inlet28 may be temporary or permanent. In this example, the dimensions, forexample the height (represented as “h”) and/or complete cross-sectiondimension of the variable motive fluid inlet 28 may be varied across itsCD to influence the motive fluid 29 exiting the variable motive fluidinlet 28 such that the pressures across the motive fluid's 29 CD profileare non-uniform and/or varied such the variable motive fluid 26 iscreated.

In even still yet another example as shown in FIG. 7E, the variablemotive fluid 26 originates from discrete, separate motive fluids 29sourced from discrete, separate motive fluid delivery devices 32, suchas air nozzles, which are in fluid communication with the variablemotive fluid inlet 28. The motive fluid delivery devices 32 supplymotive fluids 29 to the variable motive fluid inlet 28. The variablemotive fluid inlet 28 comprises two or more, and/or a plurality ofdiscrete, separate motive fluid delivery devices 32, such as in aseries, that supply motive fluids 29 into the fluid mixing chamber 14defined by housing 12 of the spatially controllable, for example CDcontrollable, eductor. The discrete, separate motive fluid deliverydevices 32 of FIG. 7E may be independently controllable such that thepressure associated with a motive fluid 29 supplied from one motivefluid source 32 can be different from the pressure of a motive fluid 29supplied from a different motive fluid source 32. The variable motivefluid 26 is created as a result of two or more of the motive fluids 29exhibiting different pressures upon entering the fluid mixing chamber14.

“Fluid Outlet” as used herein means the opening within the housingand/or mixing chamber and/or diffuser and/or eductor through which afluid, for example mixed fluid, exits. In one example, the fluid outletis an opening at the end of the mixing chamber, if no diffuser ispresent, from which the mixed fluid exits. In another example, the fluidoutlet is an opening at the end of the diffuser that is in fluidcommunication with the mixing chamber on one end and the fluid outlet onthe other end through which the mixed fluid exits.

“Diffuser” as used herein means a duct of expanding cross-sectional areathat transforms a high velocity, low static pressure flow into a lowervelocity, higher static pressure flow.

In one example, a mixing chamber of the present invention of minimumcross-sectional area has a fluid outlet that begins at the end of thediffuser, such as the discharge diffuser.

“Nozzle” as used herein means a duct of decreasing cross-sectional areathat transforms a low velocity, high static pressure flow into a highervelocity, lower static pressure flow.

In one example, an eductor of the present invention that has a mixingchamber area that is smaller than the distance between two motive fluidinlets, for example two motive air sources, a nozzle can be used toaccelerate the flow into the mixing chamber.

In another example, in systems of solid delivery according to thepresent invention, nozzles can converge in the MD and diverge in the CDto accelerate and increase in CD width the flow exiting from the solidparticle source.

“Forming Box Housing” as used herein means an enclosed orpartially-enclosed volume formed by one or more walls through which oneor more materials pass.

“Forming box” as used herein means a portion of a housing's volumewithin which commingling of two or more separate materials occurs. Inone example, the forming box is a portion of the housing within whichone or more and/or two or more first materials, for example filaments,such as polymer filaments, are commingled with one or more and/or two ormore second materials, for example solid additives, such as fibers, forexample pulp fibers. The forming box comprises two or more inlets forreceiving two or more separate materials to be commingled. In oneexample, the forming box further comprises at least one outlet forevacuating the mixture of materials from the forming box. In oneexample, the forming box's at least one outlet opens to a collectiondevice, for example a fabric and/or belt, such as a patterned belt, forreceiving the mixture of materials, for example filaments and fibers,resulting in a fibrous structure. The receipt by the collection deviceof the mixture of materials may be aided by a vacuum box. The formingbox may be a stand alone, separate, discrete, modular device that can beinserted into a machine, such as a fibrous structure making machine,and/or it may be a fully integrated component of a larger machine, suchas a fibrous structure making machine so long as at least one firstmaterial and at least one second material, are capable of entering theforming box and commingling with one another according to the presentinvention.

“First material” as used herein means a material that is separate fromat least one other material, for example a second material. In oneexample, the first material comprises filaments, such as polymerfilaments.

“Second material” as used herein means a material that is separate fromthe first material. In one example, the second material comprises solidadditives, such as fibers, for example pulp fibers.

“Stream(s) of solid additives” as used herein means a plurality of solidadditives, for example a plurality of fibers, that are moving generallyin the same direction. In one example, a stream of solid additives is aplurality of solid additives that enter a forming box of the presentinvention through the same solid additive inlet at the same time orsubstantially the same time.

“Stream(s) of filaments” as used herein means a plurality of filamentsthat are moving generally in the same direction. In one example, astream of filaments is a plurality of filaments that enter a forming boxof the present invention through the same filament inlet at the sametime or substantially the same time. In one example, the stream offilaments may be a stream of meltblown filaments and/or a stream ofspunbond filaments.

“Stream(s) of fibers” as used herein means a plurality of fibers thatare moving generally in the same direction. In one example, a stream offibers is a plurality of fibers that enter a forming box of the presentinvention through the same fiber inlet at the same time or substantiallythe same time. In one example, the stream of fibers may be a stream ofpulp fibers.

“Filament inlet” as used herein means an entrance to the forming boxthrough which one or more filaments enter.

“Solid additive inlet” as used herein means an entrance to the formingbox through which one or more solid additives enter. A “fiber inlet” isan example of a solid additive inlet wherein the fiber inlet means anentrance to the forming box through which one or more fibers enter.

“Fibrous structure” as used herein means a structure that comprises oneor more filaments and/or one or more fibers, which are considered solidadditives for the present invention. In one example, a fibrous structureaccording to the present invention means an orderly arrangement offilaments and solid additives within a structure in order to perform afunction. Non-limiting examples of fibrous structures of the presentinvention include paper, fabrics (including woven, knitted, andnon-woven), and absorbent pads (for example for diapers or femininehygiene products).

Spatially Controllable Eductor

As shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, a non-limiting example of a spatiallycontrollable, for example CD controllable, eductor 30 according to thepresent invention comprises a housing 12 that defines one or moreentrained fluid inlets, in this case one entrained fluid inlet 16, oneor more variable motive fluid inlets, in this case two variable motivefluid inlets 28, and one or more fluid outlets, in this case one fluidoutlet 20. The housing 12 further defines a fluid mixing chamber 14 thatis in fluid communication with the fluid inlets 16, 28 and fluid outlet20. Even though the following description is related to a spatiallycontrollable, for example CD controllable, eductor 30 that comprises twoor more variable motive fluid inlets 28, the relevant description alsopertains to a spatially controllable, for example CD controllable,eductor that comprises only a single variable motive fluid inlet.

As shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the variable motive fluid inlets 28 mayfurther comprise one or more, in this case five motive fluid deliverydevices 32 that provide one or more motive fluids 29 to the variablemotive fluid inlets 28. Even though the following description relates tothe variable motive fluid inlets 28 shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, thevariable motive fluid inlets 28 may comprise one or more of the variablemotive fluid inlets 28 described in FIGS. 7A-7E. The variable motivefluid inlets 28 may be the same or different.

The fluid outlet 20 of the spatially controllable, for example CDcontrollable, eductor 30 may comprise a diffuser 31. The diffuser 31 mayexhibit an exit diffuser angle β, which is the angle formed by the wallof the diffuser and the wall of the fluid mixing chamber, of greaterthan 0° to less than 90° and/or greater than 0° to less than about 45°and/or greater than about 5° to less than about 30°. The housing 12 ofthe diffuser 31 may exhibit an arc.

The variable motive fluid inlets 28 may be positioned a distance D ofgreater than 0 to less than about 100 mm and/or greater than 0 to lessthan about 75 mm and/or from greater than 0 to less than about 50 mmand/or greater than 10 to less than about 50 mm from one another onopposing faces of the fluid mixing chamber 14.

At least one of the variable motive fluid inlets 28 exhibits a variablemotive fluid inlet angle θ, which is the angle formed by the variablemotive fluid inlet 28 and the entrained fluid 34, is greater than 0° toless than 90° and/or greater than 0 to less than 75° and/or greater thanabout 5° to less than about 45° and/or greater than about 5° to lessthan about 30° and/or greater than about 5° to less than about 20°.

The fluid mixing chamber 14 exhibits a maximum height H, which is themaximum distance between opposing faces of the fluid mixing chamber 14parallel to the MD, of greater than 0 to less than about 100 mm and/orgreater than about 0 to less than about 75 mm and/or from greater than 0to less than about 50 mm and/or greater than 10 to less than about 50mm.

In one example, the fluid mixing chamber 14 exhibits a minimum heightH_(min), which is the minimum distance between opposing faces of thefluid mixing chamber 14 parallel to the MD, of greater than 0 to lessthan about 100 mm and/or greater than about 0 to less than about 75 mmand/or from greater than 0 to less than about 50 mm and/or greater than10 to less than about 30 mm.

The fluid mixing chamber 14 exhibits a length L, which is the distancebetween the variable motive fluid inlet 28 and the diffuser 31, if oneexists, or the fluid outlet 20, if no diffuser 31 is present in thespatially controllable eductor 30, of greater than 0 to less than about200 mm and/or greater than about 25 to less than about 150 and/orgreater than about 50 to less than about 120 mm and/or greater thanabout 75 mm to less than about 120 mm.

As shown in FIG. 8C, the spatially controllable, for example CDcontrollable, eductor 30 may comprise a single motive fluid inlet(single-sided motive fluid inlet) sourced from one or more motive fluiddelivery devices 32 rather than two motive fluid inlets (dual-sidedmotive fluid inlets) as shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B.

In one example, a CD controllable eductor of the present inventioncomprises one or more motive fluid inlets such that at least one of themotive fluid inlets produces a variable motive fluid during operation ofthe CD controllable eductor. In one example, at least of the motivefluid inlets is a variable motive fluid inlet. In another example, theCD controllable eductor comprises two or more variable motive fluidinlets.

The variable motive fluid inlet may comprise two or more zones(segments). At least one of the zones may be independently controllablefrom another of the zones. In one example, at least one of the zones isindependently controllable with respect to its dimensions, for examplesuch that the zones' area is adjustable and/or controllable.

In one example, at least one of the motive fluid inlets of the CDcontrollable eductor of the present invention is in fluid communicationwith one or more and/or two or more motive fluid delivery devices. Inone example, at least one of the motive fluid delivery devices comprisesan air nozzle. In another example, at least one of the motive fluiddelivery devices is independently controllable from another of themotive fluid delivery devices, for example such that one motive fluiddevice may supply a motive fluid having a different pressure and/orvelocity than a motive fluid supplied from another motive fluid deliverydevice.

In one example, the CD controllable eductor may comprise one or moreand/or two or more entrained fluid inlets. Further, the CD controllableeductor may comprise a fluid mixing chamber in fluid communication withat least one of the entrained fluid inlets and at least one of themotive fluid inlets of the eductor. Further yet, the CD controllableeductor may comprise one or more and/or two or more fluid outlets, forexample that are in fluid communication with the fluid mixing chamber.

The fluid mixing chamber of the CD controllable eductor may exhibit anon-circular cross-section.

In still another example, a CD controllable eductor of the presentinvention may comprise a housing having an entrained fluid inlet, afluid outlet, a fluid mixing chamber, and two or more motive fluidinlets all of which are in fluid communication with one another, whereinat least two of the two or more motive fluid inlets are independentlycontrollable to manage the flow of a motive fluid through the motivefluid inlets during operation of the eductor. The CD controllableeductor may further comprise a mixing chamber positioned between and influid communication with the entrained fluid inlet and the fluid outletof the CD controllable eductor.

In one example, during operation of the CD controllable eductor, anentrained fluid entering the eductor through an entrained fluid inletand a motive fluid entering the eductor through at least two of the twoor more motive fluid inlets may contact one another in a mixing chamberof the eductor to form a mixed fluid. In one example, a motive fluidentering a CD controllable eductor of the present invention contacts anentrained fluid, for example an entrained fluid comprising a pluralityof solid additives, at an angle of from about 0° to about 45° and/orfrom about 5° to about 30° and/or from about 10° to about 25° and/or atan angle of about 15°.

In one example, at least one of the motive fluid inlets within a CDcontrollable eductor of the present invention comprises an area that isadjustable and/or controllable, for example before, during, and/or afteroperation. In one example, the CD controllable eductor of the presentinvention comprises two or more motive fluid inlets that comprisedifferent areas.

In still another example, the CD controllable eductor of the presentinvention comprises a motive fluid that exhibits a pressure that isadjustable and/or controllable during operation of the eductor. In oneexample, the CD controllable eductor of the present invention comprisestwo or more motive fluid inlets that provide a motive fluid inlet thatexhibits pressures that are adjustable and/or controllable duringoperation of the eductor.

In one example, the CD controllable eductor comprises a diffuser that ispositioned between and in fluid communication with the eductor's mixingchamber and the eductor's fluid outlet. The diffuser may comprise adiffuser discharge angle that is adjustable and/or controllable, forexample to avoid flow separation during operation. In one example, thediffuser's discharge angle may be greater than 0° to less than 90°and/or from about 5° to about 45° and/or from about 10° to about 30°.

In one example, the CD controllable eductor of the present invention maycomprise at least one motive fluid delivery device that supplies motivefluid to at least one motive fluid inlet. Such a motive fluid deliverydevice may be and/or is in fluid communication with a motive fluidsource. The CD controllable eductor may comprise a plurality of motivefluid delivery devices that each supply motive fluid to a respectivemotive fluid inlet within an eductor, for example during operation ofthe eductor.

The CD controllable eductor may comprise an entrained fluid inletcomprising an area that is adjustable and/or controllable. One or moreof the entrained fluid inlets of the CD controllable eductors of thepresent invention may be and/or are in fluid communication with one ormore solid additive sources. Non-limiting examples of solid additivesources include hammermills, fiber sources, solid additive spreaders,solid additive individualizers, air laying heads, forming heads, andmixtures thereof. In one example, the solid additive source is ahammermill. In another example, the solid additive source is a fibersource, for example a pulp fiber source, such as a wood pulp fibersource. The entrained fluid inlet supplies an entrained fluid to thehousing, for example the mixing chamber, of the CD controllable eductorduring operation of the eductor. In one example, the entrained fluidcomprises solid additives, for example pulp fibers, such as wood pulpfibers.

In one example, the housing of the CD controllable eductor of thepresent invention may comprise one or more openings, for example one ormore openings that are in fluid communication with a compressed airsource for supplying compressed air into the housing during operation ofthe eductor.

In one example, the CD controllable eductor comprises a first set of twoor more motive fluid inlets in a first position on the housing and asecond set of two or more motive fluid inlets in a second positiondifferent from the first position on the housing. In another example, atleast one of the motive fluid inlets of the first set is positioned at adistance of from about 0.5 to about 6 inches from at least one of themotive fluid inlets of the second set.

In one example, the housing of the CD controllable eductor comprising ahousing that exhibits a minimum MD length of at least 0.5 inches betweenthe entrained fluid inlet and the fluid outlet.

In one example, the CD controllable eductor comprises a housing thatcomprises one or more and/or two or more motive fluid inlets that arepositioned between an entrained fluid inlet and a fluid outlet of thehousing.

In another example, one or more of the eductors, for example spatiallycontrollable eductors, such as CD controllable eductors, of the presentinvention may be used in a solid additive system that comprises one ormore and/or two or more solid additive sources in fluid communicationwith one or more of the eductors. In one example, the solid additivesystem may comprise a single solid additive source in fluidcommunication with two or more of the eductors. In another example, thesolid additive system may comprise two or more eductors that areindependently controllable. One or more and/or two or more of the solidadditive sources may be independently controllable. In one example, twoor more of the solid additive sources may supply different solidadditives. In another example, two or more of the solid additive sourcesmay supply fluids with different properties.

In one example, a solid additive system of the present invention maycomprise two or more solid additive sources in fluid communication witha single (sole) eductor.

In one example, a solid additive system according to the presentinvention may comprise a solid additive source and an eductor, forexample a spatially controllable eductor, such as a CD controllableeductor, comprising a housing having an entrained fluid inlet and afluid outlet, wherein the solid additive source is in fluidcommunication with the entrained fluid inlet and fluid outlet such thata fluid exiting the fluid outlet is wider (in the MD and/or CD) than afluid exiting the solid additive source during operation of the eductor.The solid additive source may supply a fluid comprising one or moresolid additives to the eductor.

In another example, a solid additive system according to the presentinvention may comprise a solid additive source and an eductor comprisinga housing having an entrained fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, whereinthe solid additive source is in fluid communication with the entrainedfluid inlet and fluid outlet such that a fluid exiting the fluid outletis wider (in the MD and/or CD) than a fluid exiting the entrained fluidinlet during operation of the eductor. The solid additive source maysupply a fluid comprising one or more solid additives to the eductor.

In still another example, a cross-machine (CD) controllable eductoraccording to the present invention may comprise a housing having anentrained fluid inlet and a fluid outlet both of which are in fluidcommunication with one another such that a fluid exiting the fluidoutlet is wider (in the MD and/or CD) than a fluid exiting the entrainedfluid inlet during operation of the eductor.

In even another example, the eductor of the present invention maycomprise a cross-machine (CD) controllable eductor.

Process Using a Spatially Controllable Eductor

The spatially controllable, for example CD controllable, eductors 30 ofthe present invention are useful in various processes known in the art,including, but not limited to, solid additive processes, for examplefibrous structure making processes, for example coforming processes.

As shown in FIGS. 8A-8B and 9, a non-limiting example of a process usinga spatially controllable, for example CD controllable, eductor 30 isshown and described. FIGS. 8A-8B and 9 illustrate a solid additivesprocess, for example a process that utilizes an entrained fluid 34comprising a plurality of solid additives 36, such as fibers, forexample pulp fibers, dispersed, for example randomly dispersed, withinan air stream. The entrained fluid 34 may originate from a solidadditive source 40, such as a hammer mill that fiberizes pulp fibersfrom bales of pulp. The solid additive source 40 may be in fluidcommunication with an entrained fluid inlet 16 of a spatiallycontrollable, for example CD controllable, eductor 30. The entrainedfluid 34 enters the fluid mixing chamber 14 defined by housing 12 of thespatially controllable, for example CD controllable, eductor 30 throughthe entrained fluid inlet 16.

A plurality of motive fluids 29 are supplied from a plurality of motivefluid delivery devices 32, which are in fluid communication with each ofthe respective variable motive fluid inlets 28. In this example, eachvariable motive fluid inlet 28 comprises segments/zones as shown in FIG.7A through which at least one motive fluid 29 passes. This createszones/regions within the variable motive fluid 26 exiting the variablemotive inlet 28 as shown in FIG. 6. The variable motive fluid 26exhibits different zones/regions across its CD profile, for example withrespect to mass and/or flow and/or velocity CD profiles.

As shown in FIGS. 8A-8B, 9, and 10, which are schematic representationsof a fibrous structure making process 38 according to the presentinvention, a fibrous structure making process 38 of the presentinvention may comprise a solid additive source 40, such as a hammermill, an eductor, for example a spatially controllable, for example CDcontrollable, eductor 30, and a forming box 46 in fluid communicationwith each other, for example by pipes 42. The forming box 46 is wherefilaments 52 and the solid additives 36 commingle before being collectedon a collection device 56, such as a fabric or belt, for example apatterned belt, with or without the aid of a vacuum box 58, to make afibrous structure 60, for example a coform fibrous structure, comprisingfilaments 52 and solid additives 36.

As shown in FIGS. 8A, 8B, 9, and 10, the spatially controllable, forexample CD controllable, eductor 30 of the present invention can be acomponent of a fibrous structure making process 38. The fibrousstructure making process 38 comprises a solid additive source 40, suchas a hammer mill, that delivers, for example by piping 42, solidadditives 36 to one or more spatially controllable, for example CDcontrollable, eductors 30 in the form of an entrained fluid 34comprising solid additives 36. The solid additives 36 are randomlydispersed within the entrained fluid 34. The entrained fluid 34 isdelivered to a spatially controllable, for example CD controllable,eductor 30 positioned within its path from the solid additive source 40to its end use. The spatially controllable, for example CD controllable,eductor 30 may be as shown and described in FIGS. 8A and 8B.

The spatially controllable, for example CD controllable, eductor 30functions to create a desired CD profile of the solid additives 36 withrespect to the solid additives' pressure and/or mass and/or flow and/orvelocity. The entrained fluid 34 enters the spatially controllable, forexample CD controllable, eductor 30 through the eductor's entrainedfluid inlet 16. The entrained fluid 34 then enters the fluid mixingchamber 14 of the spatially controllable, for example CD controllable,eductor 30.

Within the fluid mixing chamber 14, the entrained fluid 34 is combinedwith variable motive fluids 26. The variable motive fluids 26 areintroduced into the fluid mixing chamber 14 from two associated variablemotive fluid inlets 28, for example a variable motive fluid according tothe present invention, which may or may not be positioned opposite oneanother within the fluid mixing chamber 14. In one example, thespatially controllable, for example CD controllable, eductor 30 consistsof a variable motive fluid inlet 28 positioned on only a single side ofthe fluid mixing chamber 14. The variable motive fluid 26 comprises twoor more different zones/regions with respect to the mass and/or flowand/or velocity of the variable motive fluid 26 across its CD profile.This variable motive fluid 26 has the ability to convert the randomlydispersed solid additives 36 into a mixed fluid 44 comprising anon-random solid additives 36 CD profile with respect to the solidadditives' mass and/or flow and/or velocity.

The mixed fluid 44 exits the spatially controllable eductors 30 and isdelivered to a forming box 46 via piping 42 while still maintaining thesolid additives' CD profile. As shown in FIG. 10, the forming box 46defined by a forming box housing 47 (which may be a continuation of thepiping 42) that defines two or more solid additive inlets 48 throughwhich the solid additives 36 enter the forming box 46. In addition tothe solid additive inlets 48, the forming box 46 further comprises afilament inlet 50, through which filaments 52, such as polymerfilaments, for example polypropylene filaments, from a filament source54, such as a die, for example a meltblow die, for example a knife edgedie and/or a multi-row capillary die, such as a multi-row capillary diecommercially available from Biax-Fiberfilm Corporation, Greenville,Wis., and/or for example a spunbond die, are spun and supplied to theforming box 46 to be commingled with the solid additives 36.

The forming box housing 47 may be made from any suitable material suchas metal, polycarbonate, or glass. In one example, the forming box 46comprises an interior volume where at least a first discrete phase, forexample one or more filaments 52, for example polymer filaments such aspolyolefin filaments (e.g., polypropylene filaments), which enters theforming box 46 from die 54 through filament inlet 50, and at least asecond discrete phase, for example one or more solid additives 36, suchas fibers, for example pulp fibers (e.g., wood pulp fibers), whichenters the forming box 46 through solid additive inlets 48, commingle.

In another example, commingling of the filaments 52 and the solidadditives 36 may occur in the absence of a forming box 46. In otherwords, the commingling may occur in the ambient environment surroundingthe equipment.

After commingling the filaments 52 and the solid additives 36 within aforming box 46 or in the absence of a forming box 46, the commingledfilaments 52 and solid additives 36, which form a mixture 55, may thenbe collected on a collection device 56, such as a belt or fabric, forexample a patterned belt, with or without the aid of a vacuum box 58, tocreate a fibrous structure 60, as shown in FIG. 10.

In one example during operation of a spatially controllable, for exampleCD controllable, eductor 30 in accordance with the present invention asshown in FIGS. 11A and 11B air carries solid additives 36, for examplepulp fibers, to the spatially controllable, for example CD controllable,eductor 30. The dimensions of the eductor 30 in this example as shown inFIGS. 11A and 11B are as follows: Dimension 1 (the width of theentrained fluid inlet) is about 3.2″, Dimension 2 (length of convergingpart of duct after entrained fluid inlet) is about 12.73″, Dimension 3(length of diffuser) is at least 32″, Dimension 4 (width of eductor'sfluid outlet) is about 3.2″, Dimension 5 (length of duct of entrainedfluid inlet between converging part of duct of entrained fluid inlet tomixing chamber) is about 3.6″, Dimension 6 (width of duct of entrainedfluid inlet between converging part of duct of entrained fluid inlet tomixing chamber) is about 1.75″, Dimension 7 (length of mixing chamber)is about 2.63″, Dimension 8 (length of throat) is about 2.0″, Dimension9 (width of throat) is about 1.125″, Dimension 10 (motive fluid inletangle) is about 21°, and Dimension 11 (motive fluid slice) is 1.5 mm,2.0 mm, or 4.0 mm.

In one example, a process for managing an entrained fluid according tothe present invention comprises the steps of:

-   -   a. providing an eductor, for example a spatially controllable        eductor, such as a CD controllable eductor according to the        present invention; and    -   b. injecting an entrained fluid comprising a plurality of solid        additives into the eductor.

In another example, a process for managing a plurality of solidadditives according to the present invention comprises the steps of:

-   -   a. providing an entrained fluid comprising a plurality of solid        additives;    -   b. injecting the entrained fluid comprising the solid additives        into an eductor, for example a spatially controllable eductor,        such as a CD controllable eductor according to the present        invention; and    -   c. injecting one or more motive fluids into the one or more        variable motive fluid inlets such that the entrained fluid        comprising the solid additives and one or more variable motive        fluids mix to form a mixed fluid.

In still another example, a process for making a fibrous structureaccording to the present invention comprises the steps of:

-   -   a. providing an entrained fluid comprising solid additives;    -   b. injecting the fluid comprising solid additives into an        eductor, for example a spatially controllable eductor, such as a        CD controllable eductor according to the present invention;    -   c. injecting one or more motive fluids into the one or more        variable motive fluid inlets such that the entrained fluid        comprising the solid additives and one or more variable motive        fluids mix to form a mixed fluid;    -   d. passing the mixed fluid from the eductor to a forming box        that is in fluid communication with the eductor;    -   e. introducing filaments into the forming box such that the        filaments and the solid additives within the mixed fluid        commingle to form a commingled material; and    -   f. depositing the commingled material onto a collection device        from the forming box to form a fibrous structure.

In even another example, a process for making a fibrous structureaccording to the present invention comprises the steps of:

-   -   a. providing an entrained fluid comprising solid additives;    -   b. injecting the fluid comprising solid additives into an        eductor, for example a spatially controllable eductor, such as a        CD controllable eductor according to the present invention;    -   c. injecting one or more motive fluids into the one or more        variable motive fluid inlets such that the entrained fluid        comprising the solid additives and one or more variable motive        fluids mix to form a mixed fluid;    -   d. combining filaments with the mixed fluid such that the        filaments and the solid additives within the mixed fluid        commingle to form a commingled material; and    -   e. depositing the commingled material onto a collection device        to form a fibrous structure.

In another example of the present invention as shown in FIGS. 12A to12E, a fibrous structure making process 38 comprises the steps of:

-   -   a. providing a filament source 54, for example a die, such as a        spunbond die or a meltblow die;    -   b. supplying at least a first polymer to the filament source 54;    -   c. producing a plurality of filaments 52 comprising the first        polymer from the filament source 54;    -   d. combining the filaments 52 with solid additives 36 delivered        from a solid additive source (not shown), such as a hammermill        and/or solid additive spreader and/or airlaying equipment such        as a forming head, for example a forming head from Dan-Web        Machinery A/S, and/or via an eductor, for example a spatially        controllable eductor, such as a CD controllable eductor        according to the present invention, inside a forming box 46        defined by a forming box housing 47 that defines a forming box's        volume such that the filaments 52 and solid additives 36 contact        each other at a 90° angle and/or at a non-90° angle, for example        at an angle of less than 90° and/or less than 85° and/or less        than 75° and/or less than 45° and/or less than 30° and/or to        about 0° and/or to about 10° and/or to about 25°, relative to        each other to form a mixture 55; and    -   e. collecting the mixture 55 on a collection device 56, such as        a fabric and/or belt, for example a patterned belt that imparts        a pattern, for example a non-random, repeating pattern to a        fibrous structure, with or without the aid of a vacuum box 58,        to produce a fibrous structure 60 comprising filaments 52 and        solid additives 36.

The fibrous structure making process 38 as shown in FIGS. 12A to 12E mayfurther comprise one or more air sources 62, such as cooling air,quenching air, and/or drying air. In one example, as shown in FIG. 12Ethe components of the fibrous structure making process 38, for examplethe one or more filament sources 54, the one or more air sources 62, theforming box 46 along with its inlets 48 and 50 may all be connected toone another by the forming box housing 47.

In another example, as shown in FIGS. 12A to 12E, the fibrous structuremaking process 38 may further comprise a venturi attenuation zone 64. Inone example, the venturi attenuation zone 64 comprises one or more highvelocity air sources 66 that delivers high velocity air to the filaments52 prior to the forming box 46 (as shown in FIG. 12B) and/or to themixture 55 of filaments 52 and solid additives 36 after the forming box46 (as shown in FIGS. 12A, 12C, 12D, and 12E).

In one example, during operation, as shown in FIG. 12B, the filamentsource 54 receives molten polymer, for example a polyolefin, such aspolypropylene, under pressure. This molten polymer is then spun viapressure from the filament source 54 (for example a die) to formfilaments 52. The filaments 52 are subjected to cooling air, from one ormore air sources 62, which serves to lower the molten polymer to belowits freezing temperature. The filaments 52 continue traveling toward thecollection device 56 and are aided in attenuation by the venturiattenuation zone 64. Subsequent to the venturi attenuation zone 64, oneor more solid additives 36—laden flow is then introduced into thefilaments 52 in the forming box 46. The filaments 52 are aided inattenuation by the venturi attenuation zone 64. The mixture 55 is thencollected on the collection device 56, with or without the aid of thevacuum box 58, to form the fibrous structure 60 comprising filaments 52and solid additives 36. The fibrous structure 60 may then be subjectedto further post processing operations such as thermal bonding,embossing, tuft-generating operations, slitting, cutting, perforating,and other converting operations.

In another example, during operation, as shown in FIGS. 12A, 12C, 12D,and 12E, the filament source 54 receives molten polymer, for example apolyolefin, such as polypropylene, under pressure. This molten polymeris then spun via pressure from the filament source 54 (for example adie) to form filaments 52. The filaments 52 are subjected to coolingair, from one or more air sources 62, which serves to lower the moltenpolymer to below its freezing temperature. The filaments 52 continuetraveling toward the collection device 56. One or more solid additives36—laden flow is then introduced into the filaments 52 in the formingbox 46. The filaments 52 are aided in attenuation by the venturiattenuation zone 64. The mixture 55 is then collected on the collectiondevice 56, with or without the aid of the vacuum box 58, to form thefibrous structure 60. The fibrous structure 60 may then be subjected tofurther post processing operations such as thermal bonding, embossing,tuft-generating operations, slitting, cutting, perforating, and otherconverting operations.

In one example, the forming box 46 (coform box), as shown in FIG. 12E,comprises one or more filament inlets 50, one or more cooling air inlets63 through which cooling air enters the forming box housing 47 from oneor more air sources 62, one or more solid additive inlets 48, and one ormore venturi attenuation zones 64, which aid in attenuation filaments 52passing through the forming box 46 and/or the forming box housing 47defining the forming box 46.

The forming box 46 may comprise one or more first material inlets, forexample one or more filament inlets 50 through which one or morefilaments 52, for example spunbond filaments, are introduced into theforming box 46, and one or more second material inlets, for example oneor more solid additive inlets 48 through which one or more solidadditives 36, such as fibers, are introduced into the forming box 46such that one or more filaments 52 contact the one or more solidadditives 36, for example fibers, inside the forming box's volume.

As shown in FIGS. 12A to 12E, the fibrous structure making process 38 ofthe present invention may comprise one or more eductors 30, for examplea spatially controllable eductor, such as a CD controllable eductoraccording to the present invention, that is arranged to deliver solidadditives, for example fibers, such as pulp fibers, to a forming box,such as being connected via straight piping, if any, (such that thethere are no bends, curves, or other barriers) such that the solidadditives are delivered to the forming box and/or into contact with thefilaments in the fibrous structure making process.

Non-Limiting Example

An example of a fibrous structure according to the present invention inmade as follows. A 47.5%:27.5%:18%:5%:2% blend of Exxon-Mobil PP3546polypropylene: Lyondell-Basell Metocene MF650W polypropylene:Lyondell-Basell PH835 polypropylene: Polyvel S-1416 wetting agent:Ampacet 412951 TiO₂ master batch is dry blended, to form a melt blend.The melt blend is heated to 400° F. through a melt extruder. A 15.5 inchwide Biax 12 row spinnerette with 192 nozzles per cross-direction inch,commercially available from Biax Fiberfilm Corporation, is utilized. 40nozzles per cross-direction inch of the 192 nozzles have a 0.018 inchinside diameter while the remaining nozzles are solid, i.e. there is noopening in the nozzle. Approximately 0.19 grams per hole per minute(ghm) of the melt blend is extruded from the open nozzles to formmeltblown filaments from the melt blend. Approximately 450 SCFM ofcompressed air is heated such that the air exhibits a temperature ofabout 201° C. at the spinnerette.

Approximately 350 g/minute of pulp is fed into the hammer mill, the pulpblend comprising approximately 49% Golden Isle (from Georgia Pacific)4825 semi-treated SSK pulp and 51% eucalyptus fibers is defibrillatedthrough a hammermill to form a blend of SSK and eucalyptus wood pulpfibers (solid additives). Air at 85-90° F. and 85% relative humidity(RH) is drawn into the hammermill. Approximately 1200 SCFM of aircarries the pulp fibers to one or more spatially controllable, forexample CD controllable, eductors 30 according to the present inventionas shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B. The dimensions of the eductor 30 in thisexample as shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B are as follows: Dimension 1 (thewidth of the entrained fluid inlet) is about 3.2″, Dimension 2 (lengthof converging part of duct after entrained fluid inlet) is about 12.73″,Dimension 3 (length of diffuser) is at least 32″, Dimension 4 (width ofeductor's fluid outlet) is about 3.2″, Dimension 5 (length of duct ofentrained fluid inlet between converging part of duct of entrained fluidinlet to mixing chamber) is about 3.6″, Dimension 6 (width of duct ofentrained fluid inlet between converging part of duct of entrained fluidinlet to mixing chamber) is about 1.75″, Dimension 7 (length of mixingchamber) is about 2.63″, Dimension 8 (length of throat) is about 2.0″,Dimension 9 (width of throat) is about 1.125″, Dimension 10 (motivefluid inlet angle) is about 21°, and Dimension 11 (motive fluid slice)is 1.5 mm, 2.0 mm, or 4.0 mm. The eductor 30 comprises variable motivefluid inlets 28 positioned on both sides of the fluid mixing chamber 14.The variable motive fluid 26 comprises two or more differentzones/regions with respect to the pressure and/or mass and/or flowand/or velocity of the variable motive fluid 26 across its CD profile.This variable motive fluid 26 has the ability to convert the randomlydispersed solid additives 36 into a mixed fluid 44 comprising anon-random solid additives 36 CD profile with respect to the solidadditives' pressure and/or mass and/or flow and/or velocity. The mixedfluid 44 exits the spatially controllable eductor 30 and is delivered toa forming box 46 via piping 42 while still maintaining the solidadditives' CD profile.

The forming box 46 comprises two or more solid additive inlets 48through which the solid additives 36 enter the forming box 46. As shownin FIG. 10, in addition to the solid additive inlets 48, the forming box46 further comprises a filament inlet 50, through which filaments 52,such as polymer filaments, for example polypropylene filaments, from afilament source 54, such as a die, for example a meltblow die, forexample a knife edge die and/or a multi-row capillary die, such as amulti-row capillary die commercially available from Biax-FiberfilmCorporation, Greenville, Wis., are spun and supplied to the forming box46 to be commingled with the solid additives 36. The spatiallycontrollable eductor distributes the pulp fibers in the cross-directionsuch that the pulp fibers are injected into the meltblown filaments at a45 degree angle through a 4 inch×15 inch cross-direction (CD) slot. Aforming box surrounds the area where the meltblown filaments and pulpfibers are commingled. This forming box is designed to reduce the amountof air allowed to enter or escape from this commingling area; however,there is an additional 4 inch×15 inch spreader opposite the solidadditive spreader designed to add cooling air. Approximately 1200 SCFMof air at approximately 80° F. is added through this additionalspreader. A forming vacuum pulls air through a collection device, suchas a patterned belt, thus collecting the commingled meltblown filamentsand pulp fibers to form a fibrous structure, for example a core,comprising a pattern of non-random, repeating microregions. The fibrousstructure formed by this process comprises about 75% by dry fibrousstructure weight of pulp and about 25% by dry fibrous structure weightof meltblown filaments.

Optionally, a meltblown layer of the meltblown filaments can be added toone or both sides, in this case both sides of the above formed fibrousstructure (core) as a scrim. This addition of the meltblown layer canhelp reduce the lint created from the fibrous structure during use byconsumers and is preferably performed prior to any thermal bondingoperation of the fibrous structure. The meltblown filaments for theexterior layers can be the same or different than the meltblownfilaments used on the opposite layer or in the center layer(s).

The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be understood asbeing strictly limited to the exact numerical values recited. Instead,unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to mean boththe recited value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding thatvalue. For example, a dimension disclosed as “40 mm” is intended to mean“about 40 mm.”

Every document cited herein, including any cross referenced or relatedpatent or application and any patent application or patent to which thisapplication claims priority or benefit thereof, is hereby incorporatedherein by reference in its entirety unless expressly excluded orotherwise limited. The citation of any document is not an admission thatit is prior art with respect to any invention disclosed or claimedherein or that it alone, or in any combination with any other referenceor references, teaches, suggests or discloses any such invention.Further, to the extent that any meaning or definition of a term in thisdocument conflicts with any meaning or definition of the same term in adocument incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition assignedto that term in this document shall govern.

While particular embodiments of the present invention have beenillustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in theart that various other changes and modifications can be made withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is thereforeintended to cover in the appended claims all such changes andmodifications that are within the scope of this invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A CD (cross-machine direction) controllableeductor comprising two or more motive fluid inlets such that at leasttwo of the two or more motive fluid inlets comprise different areas suchthat during operation of the CD controllable eductor a motive fluidpassing through one of the at least two motive fluid inlets exhibitsdifferent properties from the motive fluid passing through at least oneother of the at least two motive fluid inlets.
 2. The eductor accordingto claim 1 wherein the at least one motive fluid inlet is a variablemotive fluid inlet.
 3. The eductor according to claim 2 wherein thevariable motive fluid inlet comprises two or more zones.
 4. The eductoraccording to claim 3 wherein at least one of the zones is independentlycontrollable from another of the zones.
 5. The eductor according toclaim 1 wherein at least one of the motive fluid inlets is in fluidcommunication with one or more motive fluid delivery devices.
 6. Theeductor according to claim 1 wherein the eductor further comprises oneor more entrained fluid inlets.
 7. The eductor according to claim 6wherein the eductor further comprises a fluid mixing chamber in fluidcommunication with at least one of the one or more entrained fluidinlets and at least one of the motive fluid inlets.
 8. The eductoraccording to claim 7 wherein an entrained fluid entering the eductorthrough the at least one of the one or more entrained fluid inlets andthe motive fluid contact one another in the fluid mixing chamber duringoperation of the eductor to form a mixed fluid.
 9. The eductor accordingto claim 1 wherein the eductor further comprises one or more fluidoutlets.
 10. A CD (cross-machine direction) controllable eductorcomprising a housing having an entrained fluid inlet, a fluid outlet, afluid mixing chamber, and two or more motive fluid inlets such that atleast two of the two or more motive fluid inlets comprise differentareas such that during operation of the CD controllable eductor a motivefluid passing through one of the at least two motive fluid inletsexhibits different properties from the motive fluid passing through atleast one other of the at least two motive fluid inlets
 11. The eductoraccording to claim 10 wherein the fluid mixing chamber is positionedbetween and in fluid communication with the entrained fluid inlet andthe fluid outlet.
 12. The eductor according to claim 11 wherein anentrained fluid entering the eductor through the entrained fluid inletand the motive fluid entering the eductor through the at least two ofthe two or more motive fluid inlets contact one another in the fluidmixing chamber during operation of the eductor to form a mixed fluid.13. The eductor according to claim 12 wherein the motive fluid contactsthe entrained fluid at an angle of from about 0° to about 45°.
 14. Theeductor according to claim 13 wherein the motive fluid contacts theentrained fluid at an angle of from about 5° to about 30°.
 15. Theeductor according to claim 14 wherein the motive fluid contacts theentrained fluid at an angle of from about 10° to about 25°.
 16. Theeductor according to claim 15 wherein the motive fluid contacts theentrained fluid at an angle of from about 15°.
 17. The eductor accordingto claim 10 wherein at least one of the two or more motive fluid inletscomprises an area that is adjustable.
 18. The eductor according to claim10 wherein the motive fluid exhibits a pressure that is controllableduring operation of the eductor.
 19. The eductor according to claim 10wherein the eductor further comprises a diffuser that is positionedbetween and in fluid communication with the mixing chamber and the fluidoutlet.
 20. The eductor according to claim 10 wherein the eductorfurther comprises at least one motive fluid delivery device thatsupplies the motive fluid to at least one motive fluid inlet.